Transforming the Rural Nonfarm Economy
Subtitle: Opportunities and Threats in the Developing World (International Food Policy Research Institute)
Contributors: Steven Haggblade (Editor); Peter B. R. Hazell (Editor); Thomas Reardon (Editor)
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: November 16, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 512
ISBN-13: 9780801886645
Subjects: Development economics; International economics; Economic Development; Economics Of Developing Countries; Business & Economics; Business / Economics / Finance; Business/Economics; Development - Economic Development; Business & Economics / Economic Development; Agricultural industries; Agriculture; Developing Countries; Economic aspects
Description: "Contrary to conventional wisdom that equates rural economies with agriculture, rural residents in developing economies often rely heavily on activities other than farming for their income. Indeed, nonfarm work accounts for between one-third and one-half of rural incomes in the developing world. In recent years, accelerating globalization, increasing competition from large businesses, expanding urban markets for rural goods and services, and greater availability of information and communication technology have combined to expose rural nonfarm businesses to new opportunities as well as new risks." "By examining these rapid changes in the rural nonfarm economy, the international experts contributing to this volume explore how the rural nonfarm economy can contribute to overall economic growth in developing countries and how the poor can participate in this rapidly evolving segment of the economy. The authors review an array of recent studies of the rural nonfarm economy in order to summarize existing empirical evidence, explore policy implications, and identify future research priorities. They examine the varied scale, structure, and composition of the rural nonfarm economy, as well as its relationship with agricultural and urban enterprises. And they address key questions about the role of public intervention in the rural nonfarm economy and how the rural poor can participate in and navigate the rapid transition underway in rural areas."--Jacket.